It was probably the most frustrating Oilers power play so far this season. Just prior to the halfway mark of the first period, Aaron Volpatti went to the box for boarding. On the ensuing power play, despite eight attempts, the Oilers were never able to successfully complete a zone entry.

After almost 27 years on the planet, much of it spent blocking frozen rubber in the goal crease, Devan Dubnyk has arrived at the place he's longed to be – the clear-cut No. 1 goaltender with a NHL team, namely the Edmonton Oilers. I suspect he intends to stay awhile.

Shawn Horcoff returns to the lineup tonight, but Eric Belanger walked into Rexall Place this morning in a walking boot and he's been put on the injured list. Belanger has been infinitely better this season than he was last year, especially on the PK, and he, like Horcoff, will be missed.

It isn't great for the Oilers to have their veteran centres sitting out due to injuries, but it is another opportunity for Anton Lander to keep developing. As long as the injured list remains short the Oilers should be able to stay competitive.

The center position will be front and cen, well front page if Shawn Horcoff is out for any length of time. The Nuge (how in hell did he miss that gaping net?) and Sam Gagner (pretty good season so far for a guy no one thinks is a 2line C) are taking care of the offensive business, but with Horcoff out who helps Eric Belanger (if he can walk today) with the heavy lifting?